The McGowan Government is building for tomorrow with an unprecedented $5.7 billion invested in METRONET projects across Perth's suburbs, creating thousands of local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses.
The 2020-21 METRONET Budget builds on last year's record investment, as the McGowan Government continues to deliver on the METRONET vision it took to the 2017 State Election, with $1.7 billion to be spent this financial year.
The McGowan Government has secured more than $1.5 billion in funding for METRONET projects from the Commonwealth Government, allowing the major projects to be delivered with responsible financial management.
This Budget secures the Government's commitment to deliver projects such as the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, the Byford Rail Extension and new Midland Station.
Included in this State Budget for 2020-21 is:
- $354.5 million for the Forrestfield-Airport Link project, set to be completed in late 2021;
- $275.3 million to procure 246 new locally made railcars and establish a local assembly and manufacturing facility at Bellevue;
- $195 million for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Perth's first east-west rail connection;
- $184.7 million for the Yanchep Rail Extension, with three new train stations;
- $144.6 million for removal of level crossings, including the underway Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal Project and early works for three other crossings on the Armadale Line, with planning underway on a further three level crossings;
- $207.2 million for other projects such as the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Byford Rail Extension and Midland Station Project;
- $92.3 million for the construction of the new Bayswater Station;
- $31.5 million to deliver a multi-storey car park at Mandurah Station; and
- $16.3 million to help plan and build Lakelands Station.
METRONET public transport projects will also be supported by investment in a large number of road projects, and additional projects funded through the Public Transport Authority's 2020-21 budget, including:
- $8 million to upgrade Cannington, Gosnells and Kelmscott stations to ensure they comply with the Disability Discrimination Act;
- $7 million to upgrade level crossings on the South-West Main Line; and
- $1.8 million to install solar panels on up to 60 bus and train stations.
The McGowan Government has seven METRONET projects under construction this year, creating thousands of local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses.
Final negotiations for the major construction contract for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line are underway and expected to be completed soon. This is the final construction contract associated with the METRONET project.
Other major METRONET projects are in procurement phase, with works to commence shortly, including the anticipated Byford Rail Extension, New Midland Station and the removal of three level crossings along the Inner Armadale Line.
METRONET is being delivered in a financially responsible manner and is helping to drive the economic and social recovery needed across the State from COVID-19, creating a pipeline of work for local workers.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"To keep our local economy strong, the State Budget delivers a record $27 billion in infrastructure investment over the next four years, including construction and manufacturing work for METRONET and major roads across WA.
"We've worked hard to establish a major pipeline of work to support local jobs and help guide Western Australia's economy out of the COVID-19 pandemic, while ensuring we're delivering and building major projects for tomorrow.
"This year alone we have seven METRONET projects under construction, with additional projects in planning due to commence later this year or in 2021.
"We expect more than 10,000 local jobs to be created across our METRONET projects, providing a significant boost for the economy and opportunities for local businesses."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We've been getting on with delivering our election commitments - building METRONET that will change the face of Perth, transform communities and revolutionise the way people travel around our city and suburbs.
"These projects won't just change the way we travel, they will also have a huge role in supporting local jobs and training opportunities, with more than 10,000 jobs expected to be supported as part of these METRONET investments.
"This year's investment will allow for continued delivery of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Yanchep Rail Extension and Forrestfield-Airport Link, but we're not stopping there.
"Even more projects are in the pipeline, ensuring we're delivering and building the infrastructure needed for tomorrow."
